System and method for capture, storage and processing of receipts and related data

Abstract

The present invention is a system comprising image capture device, such as a scanner or digital camera connected to a computer processor that is able to capture and store images, and method of using the same for storing and processing expense receipts. The computer processor analyzes the images of the receipts, converts the images to text, analyzes the data, extracts expense data, and puts the data into an expense report. The end user can review the captured expense data, correct it or add to it. Preferably, the system displays the image of the receipt side-by-side with the captured expense data to make review and editing easier. In a preferred embodiment the image capture device is portable, such as a handheld scanner or digital camera, so that a user can scan receipts while traveling and discard the receipt. Also, in a preferred embodiment, the images are encrypted to prevent tampering by the user or a third party, and thereby preserve the integrity of the receipt image. In one preferred embodiment, receipt images or uploaded via the Internet an intranet, or other network to a remote data storage facility to further protect the images, both from tampering and from loss.

What is claimed: 
     
       1. A method for processing a paper expense receipt using a computer system comprising the steps of:
 receiving at a computer input device the paper expense receipt from an individual incurring an expense; 
 receiving on a computer processor an electronic image of the expense receipt from the computer input device; 
 processing the electronic image to automatically obtain expense data by:
 using character recognition software to obtain text data from the electronic image; and 
 parsing the text data to determine the expense data position within the text data; and 
 
 populating an electronic expense report with the expense data; and 
 displaying the electronic expense report to the individual; 
 wherein the position of the expense data on the expense receipt is not predefined for the computer system. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein the computer input device is a portable scanner, digital camera, facsimile machine, personal digital assistant camera, telephone camera or communicator camera. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of processing the electronic image is further comprised of the steps of:
 using character recognition software to obtain text data from the electronic image; 
 parsing the text data to search for expense data. 
 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  wherein the expense data is date of expense, expense amount, vendor name, payment method or vendor address. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving additional data; 
 modifying the electronic expense report with the additional data; 
 displaying the modified electronic expense report to the individual; and 
 storing the modified expense report in non-volatile memory. 
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of encrypting the electronic image. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of encrypting the expense report. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1  wherein the computer applies a set of expense rules to the expense data. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1  wherein the expense report and receipt image are displayed simultaneously. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1  wherein the expense report, a list of scanned receipts, and receipt image are displayed simultaneously. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of checking for duplicate receipts. 
     
     
       12. A computer readable medium containing instructions for controlling a computer system to perform a method for storing a paper expense receipt comprising the steps of:
 receiving at a computer input device the paper expense receipt from an individual incurring an expense; 
 receiving on a computer processor an electronic image of the expense receipt; 
 processing the electronic image to automatically obtain expense data by:
 using character recognition software to obtain text data from the electronic image; and 
 parsing the text data to determine the expense data position within the text data; and 
 
 populating an electronic expense report with the expense data; and 
 displaying the electronic expense report to the individual; 
 wherein the position of the expense data on the expense receipt is not predefined for the computer system. 
 
     
     
       13. The computer readable medium of  claim 12  wherein the computer input device is a portable scanner, digital camera, facsimile machine, personal digital assistant camera, telephone camera or communicator camera. 
     
     
       14. The computer readable medium of  claim 12  wherein the step of processing the electronic image is further comprised of the steps of:
 using character recognition software to obtain text data from the electronic image; 
 parsing the text data to search for expense data. 
 
     
     
       15. The computer readable medium of  claim 12  wherein the expense data is comprised of date of expense, expense amount, vendor name, payment method or vendor address. 
     
     
       16. The computer readable medium of  claim 12  wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
 receiving additional data; 
 modifying the electronic expense report with the additional data; 
 displaying the modified electronic expense report to the individual; and 
 storing the modified expense report in non-volatile memory. 
 
     
     
       17. The computer readable medium of  claim 12  further comprising the step of encrypting the electronic image. 
     
     
       18. The computer readable medium of  claim 12  further comprising the step of encrypting the expense report. 
     
     
       19. The computer readable medium of  claim 12  wherein the computer applies a set of expense rules to the expense data. 
     
     
       20. The computer readable medium of  claim 12  wherein the expense report and receipt image are displayed simultaneously. 
     
     
       21. The computer readable medium of  claim 12  wherein the expense report, a list of scanned receipts, and receipt image are displayed simultaneously. 
     
     
       22. The computer readable medium of  claim 12  wherein the method is further comprised of the step of checking for duplicate receipts. 
     
     
       23. A computer system for processing a paper expense receipt comprised of:
 a computer input device for receiving the paper expense receipt from an individual incurring an expense, and creating an electronic image of the receipt;   a computer processor in communication with the computer input device;   a software module operating on the computer processor processing the electronic image to obtain expense data by;   applying character recognition techniques to obtain text data from the electronic image; and   parsing the text data to determine the expense data position within the text data; and   a display in communication with the computer on which the expense receipt is displayed to the individual;   wherein the position of the expense data on the expense receipt is not predefined for the computer system.   
     
     
       24. The system of  claim 23  wherein the computer input device is a scanner, digital camera, facsimile machine, personal digital assistant camera, telephone camera or communicator camera. 
     
     
       25. The system of  claim 23  wherein the software module for processing the electronic image is further comprised of:
 a character recognition software module to obtain text data from the electronic image; 
 a parsing software module for parsing the text data to search for expense data. 
 
     
     
       26. The system of  claim 23  wherein the expense data is comprised of date of expense, expense amount, vendor name, payment method or vendor address. 
     
     
       27. The system of  claim 23  further comprising a second input device for receiving additional data to modify the expense report. 
     
     
       28. The system of  claim 23  further comprising a software module operating on the computer processor for encrypting the electronic image. 
     
     
       29. The system of  claim 23  further comprising a software module for applying a set of expense rules to the expense data and expense report. 
     
     
       30. The system of  claim 23  wherein the expense report and receipt image are displayed simultaneously. 
     
     
       31. The system of  claim 23  wherein the expense report, a list of scanned receipts, and receipt image are displayed simultaneously. 
     
     
       32. The system of  claim 23  further comprising software module to check for duplicate receipts. 
     
     
       33. A computer system for processing a paper expense receipt comprised of:
 a computer input device for receiving the paper expense receipt from an individual incurring an expense, and creating an electronic image of the receipt;   a computer processor in communication with the computer input device;   a software module operating on the computer processor processing the electronic image to automatically obtain expense data by:   applying character recognition techniques to obtain text data from the electronic image; and   parsing the text data to determine the expense data position within the text data; and   a software module operating on the computer processor filling in an expense report with the expense data; and   a display in communication with the computer on which the expense report is displayed to the individual;   wherein the position of the expense data on the expense receipt is not predefined for the computer system.   
     
     
       34. The system of claim 33 wherein the computer input device is a scanner, digital camera, facsimile machine, personal digital assistant camera, telephone camera or communicator camera. 
     
     
       35. The system of claim 33 wherein the software module for processing the electronic image is further comprised of:
 a character recognition software module to obtain text data from the electronic image;   a parsing software module for parsing the text data to search for expense data.   
     
     
       36. The system of claim 33 wherein the expense data is comprised of date of expense, expense amount, vendor name, payment method or vendor address. 
     
     
       37. The system of claim 33 further comprising a second input device for receiving additional data to modify the expense report. 
     
     
       38. The system of claim 33 further comprising a software module operating on the computer processor for encrypting the electronic image. 
     
     
       39. The system of claim 33 further comprising a software module for applying a set of expense rules to the expense data and expense report. 
     
     
       40. The system of claim 33 wherein the expense report and receipt image are displayed simultaneously. 
     
     
       41. The system of claim 33 wherein the expense report, a list of scanned receipts, and receipt image are displayed simultaneously. 
     
     
       42. The system of claim 33 further comprising software module to check for duplicate receipts.